Human Resources Ministry strengthens workers' welfare through legislation
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the ministry has steered the passage of eight major labour-related laws, a clear indication of the government's focus on strengthening worker protections.
"These legal reforms significantly improve the rights of workers across the country, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, by aligning protections with those in Peninsular Malaysia," he said at the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Workers Day celebration here.
Present were Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
It was reported that the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 came into force yesterday, following its gazettement by the federal government on April 23.
Passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 14, 2024, the amendment is the first update to the ordinance since 2005 and introduces a series of reforms to strengthen worker protections in Sabah.
Key changes include a reduction in weekly working hours from 48 to 45, improved provisions on flexible work arrangements, forced labour, and harassment complaints, as well as an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days.
The amended act also introduces seven days of paternity leave, aligning Sabah's labour laws more closely with those in Peninsular Malaysia.
Rahman said that the increase in development grants under the Trade Union Affairs Department from RM5.8 million to RM10 million this year is a boost to union capacity nationwide.
"The boost in development grants is expected to benefit 551 unions and allows us to expand or enhance the assistance provided. Previously, we gave out between RM20,000 and RM50,000 depending on the size of the union. We encourage unions to use the funds effectively as such assistance is provided on an annual basis.
"To support this initiative, ministry officials will begin visiting all states — starting with Sabah on May 12 — to distribute the funds and strengthen engagement with workers and unions on the ground."
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